Why Taking care of your Relationship is like Taking care of your Body

 Let’s talk about why this is so important.

Taking care of your Relationship is like Taking care of your Body.

This is a metaphor I use a lot because I think it translates an important concept really well. Just like our bodies, our relationships have to be tended to and cared for consistently and daily, over time.

Caring well for our body involves a million micro-habits done consistently every day: Feeding ourselves nutritious food. Drinking lots and lots of water. Getting enough sleep. Moving our bodies often and vigorously. Taking breaks and resting. Limiting caffeine (or other substances). Getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. Taking vitamins….This list could go on and on.

When we do these micro-habits regularly over time, our bodies are healthier, stronger, less prone to sickness, more resilient, and can live longer.

And the same is true with our relationships. This is true for our relationships with our kids and friends and parents, for sure. But I’d argue, most importantly, with our partners.

Our relationship with our partner is (ideally) our most long-lasting relationship. It also goes through the most wear and tear as we go through all of life’s struggles, changes, and losses together.

So we really, really need to care for our relationship. We need to tend to it. Nurture it. Give it lots of time and attention. Do things to grow and nourish it. Care for it when it’s been hurt. 

How are you caring for your Relationship?

What kinds of things do you do each day or each week that help nurture or nourish your relationship with your partner? What kinds of things did you used to do (early in your relationship or before you had kids) that you might could get back to? What kinds of new things could you implement that are doable and realistic, but would also go a long way towards sustaining this important relationship?

Things I’m doing this week to care for my relationship are: Sending a quick text to my husband during the work day with an affectionate joke so he knows I’m thinking about him. Making a plan to bring my kids tonight to an event my husband is hosting because I know it’ll meaningful to him and he’ll love having us there. Saying I’m sorry for my rude tone last night.

What might be something you could do to tend to your relationship today? This week? I’d love to know. 🙂